Aprilia Tuono 660: a look dedicated to the design [VIDEO]

The style of the new Thunder 660 is the protagonist in a film proposed by Aprilia via Facebook. Senior Designer Pietro Arru highlights its characteristics.

An aerodynamic vision

From the fairing tied to the frame, through the double fairing that acts as an aerodynamic appendage, up to the streamlined tail and the rear license plate holder. The features of the new naked anticipate a sporty and dominant character on the road. The type triple light signature is also distinctive LED with daytime running lights DRL perimeters that highlight the front design and the design of the rear light cluster is equally refined. With the help of a twilight sensor, the dipped beam headlights turn on automatically, so the automatic turn-off directional indicators flash if emergency braking is performed, as previously mentioned. By adopting a six-axis inertial platform, proposed as an accessory, a "bending lights" function is highlighted for increased visibility when leaning.
The riding position is not too loaded on the handlebars, facilitating an integrated and decontracted posture based on the saddle-footpegs-handlebar triangulation and designed for motorcyclists of different heights. The padded saddle is present at 820 mm high, the tank can hold 15 liters of fuel and the placement of the exhaust under the engine allows the placement of the passenger footrests to be optimised. Among the varied range of accessories there is also a single-seat tail.
Sporty features covered in graphics that enhance the concept as Iridium Grey e Concept Black with interesting color combinations such as a new gray color combined with the typical Aprilia red in the first case, or a black look with bright red details in the second. There is also a color in the range Acid Gold, also linked to the new one RS 660.

Technology combined with technique

The motorcycle is equipped with on-screen instrumentation TFT in color with selectable Road or Track screens and automatic night or day backlighting. The accessories also include an Aprilia MIA multimedia platform for connectivity.
As mentioned, the six-axis inertial platform is proposed as an accessory. The presence of the inertial platform enables the "Cornering" function of the multi-map ABS, further increasing safety. Among the accessories there is also the AQS (Aprilia Quick Shift), the electronic gearbox through which you can make quick gear changes, without closing the throttle and using the clutch as indicated, also equipped with a downshift function.
Control of the electronic settings can be done from the four-button control located on the left electrical block, in addition to the quick commands to manage cruise control and traction control.
Selectable five Riding Modes with configuration of ABS, engine braking, traction control, wheelie control and other parameters. There are three Riding Modes that can be used on the road (Commute, Dynamic and Individual), while two are designed for use on the track (Challenge and Time Attack).
There is also an overview of functional electronic systems for safety and performance support, considering a multi-map Ride-by-Wire electronic accelerator and an APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) electronic control package which includes ACC (Aprilia Cruise Control) solutions. , AEB (Aprilia Engine Brake), AEM (Aprilia Engine Map), ATC (Aprilia Traction Control) and AWC (Aprilia Wheelie Control).
The frame and swingarm are made of die-cast aluminum and a chassis with dimensions that enhance its agility, taking into account a wheelbase of 1.370 millimetres, steering plates with different offset and the inclination of the steering head of 24,1°.
The frame is made up of two lateral beams bolted in the area of ​​the steering head and in the area behind it, the engine is a load-bearing element. In this case there are two anchoring points to the propulsive heart, compared to three on the RS 660.
Of note is an adjustable Kayaba fork with 41 mm upside-down legs and to ensure lightness, the swingarm is pivoted into the engine. The manageable shock mount allows for functional progression even without a linkage.
The braking system is made up of a pair of 320 mm diameter front steel discs flanked by two radial-mount calipers and a radial master cylinder on the handlebars, both made by Brembo. At the back there is a 220 mm disc associated with a Brembo two-piston caliper.
A multi-map ABS system is indicated, while a Cornering ABS solution is proposed as an accessory.

Propulsive heart

The twin-cylinder unit is a 660 cc (659 cc) forward-facing parallel type with homologation Euro 5. A compact engine with appearance and dimensions reminiscent of the front bank of the 4 cc V1.100 engine.
Developed a power of 95 horses at 10.500 rpm with the limiter moved up to the threshold of 11.500 rpm with a torque peak of 67 Nm at 8.500 rpm and 80% of this available from 4.000 rpm, then 90% reaching 6.250 rpm. There is also a weakened 35 kW variant.

Photos and videos: Aprilia